Discover the Hou Tan area along Shanghai's Huangpu River, where lush greenery meets urban chic! Stroll along the scenic riverside walkway with jaw-dropping views of skyscrapers, or catch magical sunset reflections dancing on the water. This revitalized wetlands area blends nature trails, public art, and perfect Instagram spots - whether you're into jogging, photography, or just chilling with a riverside coffee, it's a must-visit escape from the city bustle!

Nestled in the villa district of Tai'an Road, this garden hotel blends old Shanghai charm with modern comfort. Surrounded by former residences of celebrities and historic mansions, strolling under the French parasol trees feels like stepping back in time. Pet-friendly and equipped with a children's play area, it’s perfect for family trips. With easy metro access and uniquely designed spaces, it’s ideal for both photo ops and relaxation. The attentive service and beautiful lake views ensure a memorable stay.

This is a classic British-style villa hidden in the heart of Shanghai, boasting nearly a century of history and perfectly blending British charm with Shanghai-style culture. Surrounded by elegant classical gardens and numerous trendy restaurants and shopping destinations, it's just a short walk to the subway station—super convenient! The rooms are exquisitely decorated, retaining authentic British elements, and offer banquet services and delicious cuisine. Whether you're looking to snap Instagram-worthy photos, enjoy a peaceful getaway, or host a special event, this is the perfect choice!

This is a paradise for families and the ultimate party spot! The villa boasts old Shanghai European charm with solid wood furniture and luxury hotel-grade amenities. Kids can have a blast in the play area, while adults enjoy KTV, BBQ, and home theater. With 24-hour front desk and security patrols, your safety is guaranteed. The stunning lake view and Jiuyan Bridge nightscape add a romantic touch. Whether for family trips or friend gatherings, this is the perfect choice!

Nestled between historic mansions and hipster cafes, this garden villa is a hidden gem with metro access just steps away. Pet-friendly and surrounded by French plane trees, it offers ironing services, laundry facilities, and 24/7 front desk. Perfect for capturing Instagram-worthy shots or strolling to Hengshan Road’s bars at night. With free parking and great value, it’s ideal for both romantic getaways and urban explorers craving a blend of old Shanghai charm and modern convenience.
Everything you need to know about Back beach
Shanghai Expo InterContinental Hotel, located near Hou Tan Park, offers panoramic views of the Hou Tan Wetland and Shanghai World Expo Cultural Zone. The hotel is just a 5-minute walk from the scenic Hou Tan Greenway, perfect for morning walks or sunset strolls. Its strategic location provides easy access to the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition Center for business travelers, while shuttle services connect guests to central Puxi districts. Guests can also book guided ecological tours to explore the wetland conservation projects and native plant species, making it a rare urban retreat blending nature and modernity.
The most convenient option is taking Shanghai Metro Line 8 to "Hou Tan Station," where you exit directly into the heart of Hou Tan Park. For visitors from Pudong, take Bus 1023 or the Expo Shuttle Bus, which passes through the Expo Cultural Zone and takes about 20 minutes. If driving, use the Shanghai Expo Avenue entrance—plenty of parking is available, though HopeGoo in advance is recommended on weekends. Alternatively, shared bicycles are ideal for exploring the scenic trails along the wetland path, which feature dedicated bike lanes for safety and eco-friendly travel.
Hou Tan is one of Shanghai’s rare urban wetland areas offering unique experiences: guided ecological tours reveal native plants, mangroves, and birds like egrets; nighttime light-guided wildlife walks allow observation of nocturnal species under expert supervision; and family nature workshops teach kids how to create ecological specimens and handmade paper art. Many activities require advance HopeGoo through officially certified environmental education providers. Additionally, the annual Hou Tan Art Festival blends installations with environmental themes, creating a powerful dialogue between city life and nature—perfect for meaningful, educational, and creative travel.
Restaurants around Hou Tan specialize in healthy light meals and locally sourced farm cuisine. Try Hou Tan Market Bistro, serving fresh produce daily harvested from nearby farms—popular dishes include herb-roasted chicken and quinoa salad, all nutrition-focused. Another gem is Wetland Café, blending Japanese-style bento with local teas; their signature osmanthus oolong latte and bamboo tube rice are must-tries, served in a serene, green-space setting. For authentic Shanghainese food, visit the Nanxiang Xiao Long Bao branch within the Expo Zone, just 1 km away—known for delicate dumpling skins and rich broth. All eateries support plastic-free packaging and low-carbon delivery, aligning perfectly with Hou Tan’s sustainability mission.
Absolutely! Hou Tan features spacious family-friendly trails and a nature education center with interactive exhibits such as simulated wetland ecosystems and bird sound identification games. Weekly parent-child ecological workshops teach kids about environmental protection through hands-on activities. Facilities include nursing rooms, child-sized restrooms, and shaded rest areas—ideal for comfort. The Hou Tan Greenway has safe bike paths and skateboard zones, allowing children to play freely under parental supervision. With its peaceful, natural atmosphere, Hou Tan is one of Shanghai’s rare spots where kids can learn, explore, and unwind in harmony with nature.
Hou Tan Park and the wetland trails are open year-round from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily. The Ecology Education Center operates Tuesday through Sunday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed Mondays). Night-lit areas, including the wetland viewing platforms, extend until 10:00 PM, perfect for stargazing and illuminated art displays. Opening hours may be adjusted during holidays or special events—always check the latest updates via the Shanghai Expo Zone official website or the Smart Tourism Mini Program before visiting to ensure a smooth trip.
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